Holiday rentals in Criccieth

The town of Criccieth is situated on the north shore of Cardigan Bay on the Llŷn Peninsula — an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty reaching out to the Irish Sea. As with many North Wales coastal towns, the arrival of the railway in the 1860s brought holidaymakers to enjoy the seaside. With its independent book shops, art and craft galleries, pretty tea rooms serving spiced Welsh cakes, and cosy pubs with local beers on tap, much of the charm of a traditional Victorian seaside town remains today.

Criccieth has two sheltered beaches, both of which benefit from the warmer Gulf Stream waters. People come to the pebble shore of the eastern beach to paddle in its shallower waters, while the western beach has a finer grain. There’s even a chance of spotting dolphins offshore. The beaches are divided by a 13th-century castle and fortress perched dramatically atop the headland. During low tide, views extend across the Snowdonia mountains and Cardigan Bay. These vistas inspired famous poets, and one of England’s best-known artists captured local scenes in watercolour. Criccieth also makes a great base for walkers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts to explore nearby Snowdonia National Park, which boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales.

The Welsh coast experiences its fair share of rainfall, keeping the surrounding countryside lush and green. If you’re trying to avoid wet weather, arranging your visit for May is your best bet. The town’s fairs are traditionally held on May 23 and June 29 each year, drawing visitors from neighbouring towns to enjoy fairground rides and food stalls.

In July and August, you can take full advantage of the warm Gulf Stream-fed waters and fish for bass and dogfish. Dramatic seafront skyscapes can be enjoyed at any time of year, and there’s nothing like cosying up next to an open fire in a traditional Welsh pub in winter — just remember to bundle up against the chilly sea air once you leave.

Criccieth Castle

Standing tall on the headland between the town’s two beaches, the original Criccieth Castle was built by Llywelyn the Great in the 13th century. The intervening centuries have seen it change hands between the Welsh and English many times. An exhibition in the entrance to the ruins tells the stories of the area’s invasions and legends. The commanding views of the town and Cardigan Bay from what’s left of this stronghold are worth a visit on their own.

The Lloyd George Museum

In the nearby village of Llanystumdwy you’ll find the childhood home of David Lloyd George, the prime minister of the United Kingdom during World War One. The museum has preserved his whitewashed cottage in the style in which he lived in it, with artefacts telling the story of how a Criccieth boy grew up to lead the nation’s health and welfare reform.

Wales Coast Path

The Wales Coast Path traces all 1,400 kilometres of the Welsh coast, and the 11-kilometre stretch between Criccieth and nearby Porthmadog showcases stunning sea views, a kaleidoscopic display of wildflowers, and detours to sandy beaches. The path is well connected to the local bus network, so it’s easy to hop on a bus back to Criccieth.